This version of our Tanzania-and-Zanzibar circuit opens with Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions and groundwater forest rather than Tarangire’s elephants, giving a genuinely different opening few days before the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and a Zanzibar close.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, then a drive to Lake Manyara National Park.
Arrive Kilimanjaro, Transfer to Lake Manyara
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeLake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryTarangire Treetops
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day beneath the Rift Valley escarpment, known for tree-climbing lions and large elephant herds.
Full Day Lake Manyara Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A drive to the Serengeti’s endless plains via the Ngorongoro highlands.
Transfer to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
A drive to the crater rim via the Serengeti’s southern plains.
Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeNgorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryNgorongoro Crater Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A full day descended onto the crater floor among lion, elephant and black rhino.
Ngorongoro Crater Floor Game Drive
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam, transferring to your beach resort.
Fly to Zanzibar
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeZanzibar Bay Resort
LuxuryBaraza Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
A free day on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, with optional snorkelling or a spice farm tour.
Beach Day at Leisure
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
Transfer to Zanzibar’s airport for your onward international flight.
Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Permits & Costs
| Lake Manyara & Serengeti park entry | ~$60–$82 per person per day |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee | ~$70 per person per day, plus crater descent |
| Domestic flight, Arusha to Zanzibar | Quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers who want a slightly different opening to the classic northern circuit before the Serengeti and crater, without the longer Tarangire detour.Tour Includes
- All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & crater descent fees
Tour Excludes
- Domestic flight, Arusha to Zanzibar
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance